Frequently Asked Questions

» Other» Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get a license if I wear glasses ?

Yes, Obviously there are limits to how bad your eyesight can be, but in general this is not a problem, your medical certificate may well be endorsed with a requirement for you to carry a spare pair of glasses when you fly. Your #AME# can advise you further on this.

Do I need a fixed wing license first ?

No. If you do hold a fixed wing license you can reduce the number of hours you must fly to 39 to obtain a license. You are also exempt from all but two of the written exams (Helicopter Technical and Flight Planning & Performance).

What happens if the engine stops ?

The pilot must react quickly to prevent an accident, but provided he (or she) does then the helicopter can be put into a flight state known as autorotation. The pilot must manage the aircraft carefully to achieve a successful landing after engine failure, and this is regularly practiced as part of the PPL course.

How fast does a helicopter fly ?

The smaller training helicopters have a top speed (known as Vne) of about 100Kts. The fastest helicopter in the world is the Lynx which managed 249.1 mph back in 1986.

What type of fuel do helicopters burn ?

Simply put Petrol and Diesel, just like a car. In more detail the petrol is known as AVGAS and is higher octane than car petrol, and still has some lead in it. The Diesel is known as AVTUR or JETA the major difference between these and diesel is there is no oil added to the aviation fuels, but normally an anti-icing agent is added to prevent the fuel icing up in cold weather.

Can you fly in bad weather ?

Yes provided the pilot and aircraft are certified to do so. The pilot must hold an IR which enables him to use the aircrafts instruments alone without looking outside (it is quite difficult to see through a cloud) in order to successfully fly the aircraft.

What kind of weather will stop a flight ?

Normally strong winds, low cloud or poor visibility will preclude flying to some extent. Low cloud and poor visibility are less of a problem to instrument rated aircraft and pilots. Thunderstorms are also a thing to avoid (quite literally) when flying.

What does the tail rotor do ?

Stops the helicopter from spinning around when it is moving slowly. It also provides directional control in low speed flight, and is a means to maintain efficient forward flight by keeping the nose aligned with the direction of flight (it also stops your passengers feeling ill).

Will anyone sponsor me to learn to fly ?

At the time of writing (April 2006), quite possibly. A number of both newly qualified and experienced commercial pilots have been taken on by the North Sea Operators in the last 12-18 months and had their instrument and type ratings sponsored. This is usually repayed in kind by a minimum length of service or in some cases a loan which is repayed monthly either out of salary or by the company.

How much does a helicopter cost ?

That depends on the type of helicopter you purchase but typical figures range from £30,000 - £6,000,000 (yes 6 million) and anywhere in between.

Can I train for a Type rating for another helicopter type, before I've taken my PPL(H) initial skills test ?

Yes, you can provided that you have completed the required minimum 25hrs dual, 10hrs solo, 5hrs instrument training on the helicopter type you are taking your PPL(H) LST on. Although LASORS doesn't mention it the further type rating needs to be done at a TRTO.

Can I count hours I did abroad toward my PPL(H) hours requirements.

Yes, you can provided that you have completed the required minimum 25hrs dual, 10hrs solo, 5hrs instrument training at a registered facility or FTO approved for PPL(H) training, hours flown during training for an ICAO licence can be counted towards the hours required for a JAA PPL(H) issue.

Where Can I buy JAA Documentation ?

IHS Technical Indexing are the distibutors for the JAA documentation. The web page at http://www.jaa.nl/publications/catalogue.html describes the process for obtaining JAA Documents.

Can I Commence Training for the CPL(H) before I have passed all the theoretical knowledge exams ?

LASORS 06 implies that you can, Section Pages 5/6 state that the theroretical knowledge exams must be complete before taking the CPL(H) skills test, and the state only hours requirements prior to commencing the course. Local training / operations manuals at your FTO may preclude this and state that the exams need to be passed before commencing the course.

Which version of JAR FCL-2 should I consult ?

The CAA website has the answer http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?categoryid=175&pagetype=87&groupid=1211

How do I know what type designator to use for my aircraft on a flight plan ?

Look at the ICAO website and search for it at http://www.icao.int/anb/ais/8643/index.cfm

Do I have to comply with the additional wind limits in the R22 flight manual if I am not an FAA pilot and does SFAR73 apply to me ?

In the UK SFAR73 has not been adopted, but the flight manual limitations must still be adhered to. Read more here.